Congratulations on your engagement and on the joyful marriage preparation journey you are about to begin!

"What is the Sacrament of Matrimony?"
The Sacrament of Matrimony is a visible sign of God’s love for the Church. When a man and a woman are married in the Church, they receive the grace needed for a lifelong bond of unity.

Matrimony is the "unique Sacrament which binds one man and one woman together in a covenant under God and His Church. It is a Sacrament of vocation, a response to a specific calling that God has placed in the hearts of a couple. It is a bond that lasts for life which is permanent, faithful, and fruitful. Marriage is not just about two people, but is the foundation of the family, the 'domestic church', the most basic and foundational structure, not only for the Church, but for all of society."
 

The Sacrament of Matrimony at St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church:

Engaged couples planning to be married at St. Margaret Mary will need to participate in the marriage preparation process. Couples should contact our Special Events Coordinators, Cynthia Villarreal OR Alejandra Worthington at 512-259-3126 (ext. 999), to schedule an intake appointment at least 6 months to 12 months  prior to your desired date. 
 

For more information on the Sacrament of Matrimony:
Visit the Diocesan web site to read about the Marriage Preparation protocols and steps to follow. This proven marriage preparation process allows for spiritual growth, while adding tremendous depth into the couple’s relationship and their relationship with God.
Because Christian marriage is a sacrament, the Catholic Church wants couples to be well-prepared. You may also want to visit the USCCB site, the Conference site offers a wealth of information and resources to assist engaged couples plan a Catholic wedding and to understand and prepare for the wedding liturgy.

"The Sacrament of Marriage is a covenant, which is more than a contract. Covenant always expresses a relationship between persons. The marriage covenant refers to the relationship between the husband and wife, a permanent union of persons capable of knowing and loving each other and God. The celebration of marriage is also a liturgical act, appropriately held in a public liturgy at church. Catholics are urged to celebrate their marriage within the Eucharistic Liturgy." ~from the United States Catholic Catechism for Adults